Opposites Work

Sunday, January 24, 2016 · Mike Davis

Good morning! Yes I know it is later than normal but, I had an up and down night that ultimately kept me in bed until 9am! Not exactly normal for me. In any event have some coffee with me. I was just chatting with Doug Mackinnon our information technology guy, NFLR runner and good friend. His beautiful wife is Katie whom I have had the pleasure of knowing from coaching her in one of Runners Alley beginner training groups. Katie is a vibrant member of the seacoast community as well as a leader in the Dover business community as a member of the Dover Chamber of Commerce. Katie is a runner though she may not be as consistent of one as she would like nor the competitor that her husband is. While Doug is quite mild mannered, he most definitely has a competitive side that drives him to improve and challenge himself. While Katie seems to enjoy running for the pure enjoyment of being out and moving, Doug is a numbers guy and his results are often compared to previous results. I won’t go as far to say Katie does not care about looking for improvement. My experience with her has always been a contentment to be out there doing her thing with no concern where she was in relation to the others in the group. Probably the best way I can describe Katie is; contented to be moving in her running shoes. Doug conversely has found that he has a natural gift for running that drives him to want more from it. While his laid back personality might not indicate a typical driven runner, Doug has the desire to find out what he capable of with his running. Katie and Doug have opposing attributes like most typical couples (my wife is nodding her head right now) and yet when all is going well they would tell you they complement each other. When things are not going so well… That’s for them to have fun with! For us at No Finish Line Running, we have so much fun with both personalities and pride ourselves on helping both. Understanding the differences between each of our runners helps us to devise a training plan that is “intelligently designed” with the greatest opportunity for they type (goal) of success the individual desires. Doug can be lazy and while he is capable of doing amazing things with his running, he is much more successful with someone designing challenges for him. Before you think I am being mean, I asked Doug if I could refer to him as lazy! : ) Currently we are training Doug for his first full marathon and I am excited for him as he will be going back to his home state in May to complete his first 26.2. Katie conversely just signed up to run the “Dover Road Race Series.” Despite being a runner she will initially be doing a NFLR beginner designed training plan. Reason being Katie has been focusing on other activities and her running shoes have been resting for the most part. Life is like that for all of us and it will be great to help Katie get along around the roads of Dover. Katie and Doug, two great people one special couple! I am grateful that I am married to someone very different than me and I am a better person and runner because of that. Like the Mackinnon’s, when we allow for our differences to complement each other we enjoy the results. As running coaches Kathy and I have different approaches and even philosophies. The differences can clash but, ultimately we use them to help those we work with. Even when we have individuals that we are independently working with we will discuss the challenges and we value each other’s thoughts. It is all good when I am not stubborn! Getting closer to afternoon! No doubt a lot of you are getting pumped up for the Patriots game later today. Should be a lot of fun! Enjoy your day and have a great week! God Bless! Mike